Michigan Property Tax And Inflation Information

Proposal A, which was approved on a statewide ballot in 1994, set certain property tax changes into thd Michigan Constitution. Proposal A limited the yearly property tax increase to be equal to the lesser of the general price level (Inflation Rate Multiplier) or 5%.

How: The equation for the Inflation Rate Multiplier is mandated in MCL 211.34d. Each year Treasury's Tax Analysis Division is required calculate the rate, using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The Inflation Rate Multiplier is equal to the ratio of:............................

Michigan Treasury

For Many Investors, Year-End Forms To Arrive Later

WASHINGTON ― Many investors will receive their year-end tax statements later than in past years, but these forms are likely to be more accurate, according to the Internal Revenue Service.A new law, enacted last fall, changed the deadline from Jan. 31 to Feb. 15, when brokers, including brokerage firms, mutual fund companies and barter exchanges, must furnish year-end Forms 1099-B to their customers. Where a broker furnishes these forms by mail, this means that the forms must be mailed, not received by that date.

Because Feb. 15 falls on Sunday in 2009, and Monday, Feb. 16 is a federal holiday, the deadline is Feb. 17 this year. In addition, the IRS said earlier this month that for calendar-year 2008 reporting, the Feb. 17 deadline also applies to other tax information that brokers report to their customers, including such items as interest and dividends, on a combined year-end statement.

This change is designed to make it easier for brokers to provide investors with accurate year-end statements on stock sales and other transactions. Inaccurate year-end statements that have to be corrected later often force investors to file amended individual returns.

In its 2006 annual report, the Information Returns Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC) recommended changing this deadline from Jan. 31 to Feb. 15. The report noted that, “Form 1099 reporting has become very complex over recent years. As a result, many broker dealers are currently experiencing 20% amended Forms 1099. There is insufficient time to make the necessary changes in January, verify the data, print the forms and mail them by Jan. 31.” IRPAC is a federal advisory committee that advises the IRS on issues related to information returns, such as Forms 1099.

The long-standing Jan. 31 deadline for providing other year-end forms remains unchanged. However, because Jan. 31 falls on Saturday, employers, banks and other businesses have until Monday, Feb. 2 to mail or otherwise make available various 2008 year-end tax statements. This includes forms in the W-2, 1098 and 1099 series.

Taxpayers can make the tax-filing process faster and easier and often avoid follow-up correspondence with the IRS by carefully reviewing all year-end statements. Make sure all social security numbers are correct, check income and withholding amounts and contact the issuer promptly, if any mistakes are found.

Related Item:

• Notice 2009-11, Brokers May Furnish Certain Composite Annual Tax Reporting Statements by February 17, 2009

H&R Block Tax Advertising

MONTGOMERY, AL—January 26, 2009 --As many of our members are well aware, for the past few years, H&R Block has sometimes engaged in aggressive advertising promoting their respective tax services at the expense of the CPA profession. When this occurs, the AICPA and the ASCPA respond accordingly.....,........

Alabama Society of CPAs

4 Things Every Taxpayer Should Know About Claiming The Recovery Rebate Credit On 2008 Tax Return

Four Tips to Help Taxpayers Avoid Errors On the Recovery Rebate Credit

Most taxpayers who received the economic stimulus payment last year will not be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 federal income tax returns. A small number of taxpayers who did not receive the full economic stimulus payment last year may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 federal income tax return. Figuring the Recovery Rebate Credit incorrectly or entering inaccurate information will delay the processing of your tax return and any refund due.

Below are the four things every taxpayer should know about this one-time credit, which is related to last year’s Economic Stimulus Payment:........

Internal Revenue Service

Report Bartering Income

Bartering is the trading of one product or service for another. Usually there is no exchange of cash. It is the most ancient form of commerce. Any business owner or professional who has a product or service to offer can barter.........

Internal Revenue Service

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Should I Claim It?

Find out if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC by answering some questions and providing basic income information. The program also assists you in determining your correct filing status, determining whether your child(ren) meets the tests for a qualifying child, and estimating the amount of credit you may receive........

Internal Revenue Service

Counting Down To Tax Day: Business Tax Completion Checklist

By Jean Murray, About.com

Business tax deductions - IRS form 1120, IRS form 1120s, IRS Schedule C, IRS form 1065

First, Have You Used the Correct Tax Return for Your Business?.............